KTM CYC

hands-free bicycle riding

In this collaboration project, students were asked to create future concepts for the bicycle market. A key factor hereby was the rapidly rising interest in E-Bikes both as means of transportation and as recreational equipment.

This concept examines how the electrification of the bicycle can maximise the feeling of freedom when riding. This can be achieved through largely hands-free, electric-assisted riding, with a movable saddle also contributing to intuitive control and a fusion between the rider and the vehicle.

Term Project - Solo
FH Joanneum Graz
Duration: 4 months
2019

In collaboration with:

01

PROCESS

Observations

“With today‘s technical possibilities, how can a more dynamic interaction between user and E-Bike be achieved? “

Functional Goals

Key Words

Idea "Formula"

Idea

Handling

Accelerate

Brake

Steer

Prototype Building

An abstracted functional prototype was built to test the new way of handling a bike.

Testing

Test Phase 1: Acceleration

Test Phase 1: Braking

Test Phase 2: Steering

Form Finding

Different directions were explored through sketching.

Shape Definition

In a tape rendering process, the final shapes and proportions were defined in 1:1 scale.

02

FINAL DESIGN

KTM CYC

A concept that examines how the electrification of the bicycle can maximise the feeling of freedom when riding. This can be achieved through largely hands-free, electric-assisted riding, with a movable saddle also contributing to intuitive control and a fusion between the rider and the vehicle.

Controls

By leaning back and forth, the seatpost will move with the driver and influence the power of motor and brake support. The bicycle can be steered by leaning into the respective direction. 

Seat, Brake & Interface

The seat's shape is derived from unicycle seats, since the way of sitting is similar. The brake lever is attached to the seat and can be pulled up for braking. Integrated in the lever there is a small interface for checking basic infos such as speed and battery level and set personal preferences for the electric support.

Steering

The front wheel sits on a hub center steering mechanism that allows the wheel to turn within its hub. Two servo motors help with stabilizing the front wheel when leaning into a curve.

Hub center steering

Package

The electronic components such as battery and motor sit in both the central body and the seatpost.

Final Design Model

The final design model was built in a scale of 1:4 using SLA 3D-Printing.